Matthew
14:22-33 - Jesus’ walking on the sea
frightens the disciples. Jesus sends the disciples by boat to the other side of
the lake while he went up a mountain to pray. When the boat was far from shore,
a terrible storm developed, and the disciples were frightened. Three hours
before dawn they had a greater reason to be scared. They saw a figure walking
on the water. When Jesus assured them that it was he and not a ghost, Peter
asked Jesus to let him come to him by walking on the water. When Peter saw the
waves, he lost faith and began to sink. In desperation he cries to Jesus for
help. Jesus took him to the boat, the wind stopped, and the disciples in awe
confessed that Jesus was the Son of God.
It is easy to have faith when all goes well. It is not
much of a test of faith when we sit in comfort and prosperity during church
services. Faith is seen like a lamp when night comes. The disciples had a night
experience on the sea when their faith was challenged. We need a faith needed for troubled times.
The disciples were “made” to go to sea. Jesus wanted
and needed to be alone to pray about John’s recent murder by Herod. In their
obedience they ran into trouble, a storm at sea. There is a fundamental truth
here. As Christians we will get trouble, hardship, and crisis as we obey God’s
commands. Jesus never promised all sunshine for his followers.
The fourth watch came between three and six in the
morning, the darkest time of the night. Jesus came to the storm-tossed
disciples after they futilely struggle against the storm throughout the night.
A person’s extremity is God’s opportunity to rescue.
“Lord save me!”
That was the cry of Peter. It is the cry of the voice of faith May this be our
cry. Whatever the situation Jesus is able to help. Fear came knowing at the
door, Jesus answered, and fear went away! May that be your experience
throughout your journey of faith and your walk with Jesus as He orders your
days and directs your path.
Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
[1]
Backhuysen, Ludolf. Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, from Art in the
Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville,Tenn.
2. Collect for Proper 14, Lutheran Service Book ©
2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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